Description
This Tomato Zucchini Pasta is a colorful and healthy dish that combines fresh vegetables with pasta for a quick and flavorful meal. Perfect for weeknight dinners, it features sautéed zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and garlic, all tossed with your choice of pasta and finished with Parmesan cheese. Enjoy a delicious and satisfying bowl in just 35 minutes!
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz (225 g) pasta of your choice
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into half-moons
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for a vegan option)
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring it to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water.
- Drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside without rinsing.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the sliced zucchini to the skillet and sauté for 5-7 minutes until tender but still slightly crunchy.
- Add the halved cherry tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for another 5-7 minutes until the tomatoes soften and release their juices.
- Add the drained pasta directly into the skillet with the vegetables and toss gently to combine.
- Gradually add the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, while tossing the pasta until you reach your desired sauce consistency.
- Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and toss again until well combined.
- Taste the pasta and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Serve the pasta in bowls or on plates, twirling it with a fork for presentation.
- Top each serving with fresh basil leaves and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
- Dig in and enjoy your delicious Tomato Zucchini Pasta!
Notes
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, place the pasta in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or olive oil until heated through.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes